July 6, 2025 | U.S. News Desk
A devastating flash flood swept through a girls’ summer camp in the early hours of Monday, leaving at least seven people missing and dozens injured, according to local authorities. The camp, located in a wooded valley near Blue River, Colorado, was hit by what officials are calling a “horrific and sudden deluge.”
When torrential rains triggered a wall of water that tore through cabins and tents shortly after 3 a.m., more than 80 campers and staff members were at Camp Riverlight. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as floodwaters rose rapidly, washing away structures and trapping some campers.
“It happened in seconds,” said camp counselor Leah Martinez. “One moment it was raining, the next moment everything was underwater. We were pulling kids out of the water, screaming their names.”
Divers, K9 units, and helicopters have been sent to search the forest and riverbanks nearby for rescuers. At least 23 campers have been treated for hypothermia and minor injuries. Officials say search efforts are being hampered by washed-out roads and unstable terrain.
Governor Emily Grant has declared a state of emergency and vowed full support for rescue and recovery operations. “This is every parent’s worst nightmare. We are doing everything in our power to find those missing and ensure this tragedy doesn’t grow worse.”
Authorities have yet to confirm the identities of the missing, but families have gathered at a nearby high school gym that has been converted into a reunification center.
Meteorologists say the storm dumped over 5 inches of rain in just two hours, an amount described as “historically extreme” for the region.
The U.S. National Weather Service had issued a flood watch, but officials say the flash flood arrived much faster than anticipated. An investigation is now underway into emergency preparedness and early warning systems at the camp.
As the community reels from the disaster, neighbors, volunteers, and emergency services continue to work around the clock, clinging to hope that the missing can still be found alive.
